This summer 2022, I was thrilled that LS29 Time gave me a chance and took me on to work with them during the summer holidays. What a blast it has been. My highlights? There are too many. However, there are a handful of experiences that I really hold dear and would love to share with you.
Firstly, it's forming that bond with a child. From reading their 'All about Me's' in order to gain an initial understanding of the child's needs, what they enjoy and what they don't enjoy, to meeting them in person and working with them 1:1, learning about their infectious personality and how to support them in the best way possible. Every child is so different yet they all bring so much joy in their own way. Something else I love about the role is meeting the parents at pick up time and discussing their child's day. It brings me so much pleasure being able to tell the parent how much their child has enjoyed a particular activity, whether it be feeding the cows in the filed next to our site, or making breakfast for themselves and the staff in the morning. It brings me so much pleasure sharing the parents reaction to their child being so happy.
Of course, some of the children may have bad days, but it is so important to feed this back to parents and support them accordingly. All the parents are so on board and supportive of our team at LS29 Time, which I find really reassuring.
A further highlight of the job for me, without a shadow of a doubt, is the staff. Every single member of staff is so supportive of one another. The team is a very flat structure, and therefore the managers work totally on our level, and support us in a way that I haven't experienced in any other work place. Nothing is ever too much to ask, and I know that I can speak to one of the managers at any time and they will be all ears.
In summary, this job is so incredibly rewarding. From seeing the children so happy, to being able to support them when they are in crisis, working in such a like-minded, close knit team, it really is a joy going to work.
I'm so much looking forward to the Saturday sessions that LS29 Time are trialing during term time, at Nell Bank, and also for the Christmas holiday sessions. I can't wait to get back and see those smiling faces, both kids and staff.